April 2019 Newsletter

Letter from the President
We’re ready to celebrate! Are you? Every year we have the privilege of honoring your work at our annual Bronze Quill Awards: an event that allows us to showcase the talent, passion and creativity of our local communicators. Find inspiration from each other and elevate the field of communications.

We look forward to hosting you and your guests at the wonderful Tulsa City-County Library in the Tandy Garden.  Whether you submitted an entry or not, join us for a fun evening of networking and celebrating each other’s successes.

Remember all Bronze Quill entries are judged by other IABC chapters across the country.  Which means, those chapters need judges too.  Volunteering to judge is a great way to volunteer at your convenience and gain some professional development along the way. Don’t forget time spent judging counts towards development hours for the CMP and SCMP certifications. If you are interested in joining our Judges Circle, please let us know.

“If you just communicate you can get by. But if you communicate skillfully you can work miracles.” – Jim Rohn

Cheers to all the miracle workers out there.
Bronze Quill 2019: Elevate

Join Us for the 2019 Bronze Quill Awards Celebration


The annual IABC Bronze Quill event is a celebration of communications. Bringing a diverse network of communication professionals together for a fun evening of networking and recognition of outstanding work in our field. This event is open to all communicators – members and non-members alike – plus their friends and family. Join us as we celebrate those who elevate the communications profession.
Don’t forget to invite your spouse, friends and coworkers to help us celebrate!
When:
Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 6 p.m.
6:00 p.m. – Check in and cocktail hour (wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres included)
7:00 p.m. – Dinner (dietary restrictions accomodated, including vegetarian and gluten free) and Awards
Where:
Tandy Garden at Tulsa City-County Library
400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103
(Free parking available in garage)
Attire: Business formal or cocktail (note: event will be held outside)
Thank You Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Helmerich & Payne
Platinum Sponsors: ONEOK, Cherokee Nation Businesses
Gold Sponsor: Williams
In-Kind Sponsors: Byers Creative, Miller Photography, Ridgeback Studios
Using PR and Marketing to Create a Destination

Mother Road Market: Using PR and Marketing to Create a Destination


In November 2018, one of the area’s most anticipated new destinations opened. Mother Road Market – Tulsa’s first food hall – was a labor of love led by the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation, and just six months after its grand opening, the space already is a “go-to” for gathering, community and really awesome food.

Join Chief Communications Officer Ashley Van Horne and Communications and Events Coordinator Breckyn Hudelson of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation to learn about the communications efforts behind Mother Road Market. From branding and marketing to PR and internal communications, we’ll learn about everything that goes into placemaking.

And … you’ll get to see and sample what the Mother Road Market is all about!

What You’ll Learn:
The role of community development in placemaking, including how to build an audience and leverage brand champions. Lessons learned from creating a brand from scratch.The role of communications at the executive leadership level.Planning and executing an influencer campaign, growing a following from zero and the importance of voice in earned and social media. The importance of messaging and managing communications between teams.
When: 
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 7
Come early to grab food from the Mother Road Market vendors. Attendees will receive a food voucher to order their own food. Program will start promptly at noon.
Where: 
Mother Road Market (Demo Kitchen), 1124 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK  74104 (parking instructions here; Mother Road map here)
Fee:
IABC Member fee: $25
IABC Non-member fee: $35
Student fee: $15

How to Curb Gender Bias


If you missed last month’s professional development event, here is a quick tip from March’s speaker on how to curb gender bias in meetings:
Meet a Member

Meet a Member: Noël Freeman

Title: Marketing Strategist
 
Company: Byers Creative
 
Why do you love your job? I love my job because I get to meet and interact with interesting and diverse people; relationships are vital to a prosperous life. My co-workers and business contacts bring so much joy to what I do, and I also love the problem-solving aspect of my job. New challenges arise daily, and I love finding innovative solutions.
 
How long have you been a member of IABC? 1 year
 
Why are you a member of IABC? I am a member of IABC because of the relationships that help grow me both personally and professionally. I love the speakers IABC hosts, and how each topic gives me insight into the solution for another challenge. I also love seeing people move up in their careers because of connections they made through IABC. 
 
What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? 
The 2018 Communicators Summit in Tulsa. There were so many awesome speakers in a one-day conference, and I love gleaning new ideas from professionals who are more experienced than I am.
 
How has IABC played a part in your professional development? Every IABC event gives me better perspective and equips me to make better decisions as a professional. I serve on the board and work with some awesome people from a variety of different industries. We all work seamlessly together bouncing ideas off one another coming up with concepts and ideas to make a better Tulsa Chapter.

What is the value of your IABC membership? The food. Kidding. I am a people-person, so I really love getting to know different people in the communications sector. My IABC membership allows me to get out of my comfort zone and forces me to learn about other industries and positions.
 
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Since we are not Tulsa natives and have only been here for 3 years, we are still exploring so many cool things Tulsa has to offer. I am happily married and a privileged mom to two little boys, Rylan (age 11) and Kaynen (age 8). We go to sporting events, theater productions, movies, ice cream and tons of new adventures and places we have never seen. We have a physical list that we mark off each time we do something new.
 
What’s your favorite vacation spot? I am tied between the mountains and the beach! I love them both equally. I think my favorite would have to be Venice, Italy, though. I love the ambiance of Europe. 
 
Who is your favorite musical artist? My childhood favorite is Mariah Carey. My current favorites are Amanda Cook, Steffany Gretzinger and the Civil Wars. Sorry I cannot choose one.
 
Which website or app do you visit daily? Trello! I LOVE my Trello boards. They keep me organized in both my professional life and person life. They are SO easy to use and take a huge burden from me.
 
What is your favorite restaurant? Fish Daddy’s. We try new restaurants every day, and I think we have a new favorite every month.
 
Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is….. unpredictable… in a good way. If you look back 30 years ago, you will notice huge changes in communication…mostly because of the internet and social media. Everyone now has a voice to say anything they want at any time. With great power comes great responsibility. Use your voice to promote ethics, best practices, kindness and integrity. Remember also, that sometimes there are instances where you need to hold your tongue: “People often forget that what they post today is still going to be around tomorrow and for years to come. Social media is also unpredictable and not private, so be mindful about what you’re sending out there because chances are it can come back in the future and bite you in the butt,” psychologist and author Dawn Michael, PhD says.
 
What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Find mentors and always continue to seek knowledge and grow. If you don’t know anyone or where to start, join a board you feel passionate about! There are so many untapped resources and organizations to explore. I love gleaning new ideas from professionals who are more experienced than I am.

We Need Your Input: Help Us Pick the Topic for an Upcoming Event


We’re already hard at work planning the fall professional development lineup, but we want to know which topic interests you? Pick the topic you are most interested in learning more about:
How Google and other search engines work, how they view your website vs. how searchers view it, and tips on how to improve your website for both.
Google Analytics: What it is, what to look for in the data and how you can use information to your advantage.
Major SEO elements (such as metadata, alt text, on-page vs. off-page content), how they work, what they do and how to improve them.
Improving your SEO through better website content and strategy (writing for improved SEO). 

IABC/Tulsa Member Wins Gold Quill

Congratulations to IABC/Tulsa member Beth Harris of Walmart, who will receive a 2019 Gold Quill Award of Merit, Publications at the 2019 IABC World Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, this summer. In total, 202 entries earned awards, with 86 receiving Excellence Awards and 116 receiving Merit Awards. Ten countries are represented among the winners, which come from a cross-section of public and private sector organizations, both large and small. View a list of the 2019 Gold Quill Award winners here.
Celebrating Our Membership Anniversaries
Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in April.

April 6 – Whitney Dittman
April 10 – Phillip Harris
April 10 – Tracy Harlow
April 14 –Stephanie Higgins

March 2019 Newsletter

Letter from the President
I’ve been thinking about vulnerability a lot lately. What that means personally and professionally. How often it impacts our decisions or even indecision. With my curiosity piqued, I started poking around a bit more. Of course you have to start with the definition:

vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty
noun
The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
 
“Exposed…attacked or harmed” sounds intense, but everyone has their own perceptions of what that means for them. And overcoming that meaning can feel easy or even impossible.
 
I felt vulnerable when I applied for the SCMP certification exam. Will it be accepted? If it is, will I pass? There’s even vulnerability in crafting a Bronze Quill entry. This is my work, energy and time that I’m putting out there to be reviewed and judged. I’m feeling vulnerable just writing this down. It can all be scary, but what is the alternative?
 
To elevate ourselves and our work, to think forward, to speak up in a meeting, to impart change, you have to be vulnerable. It can be a very powerful thing, and the beauty is we all have it within us to harness that exposure we are feeling and use it. 
 
“Most people believe vulnerability is weakness. But really, vulnerability is courage. We must ask ourselves…are we willing to show up and be seen?”  – Brene Brown
Bronze Quill 2019: Elevate

Join Us for the 2019 Bronze Quill Awards Celebration


The Annual IABC Bronze Quill event is a celebration of communications. Bringing a diverse network of communication professionals together for a fun evening of networking and recognition of outstanding work in our field. This event is open to all communicators – members and non-members alike – plus their friends and family. Join us as we elevate the communications profession. Don’t forget to invite your spouse, friends and coworkers to help us celebrate!
When:Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 6 p.m.
  • 6:00 p.m. – Check in and cocktail hour (wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres included)
  • 7:00 p.m. – Dinner (dietary restrictions accomodated, including vegetarian and gluten free) and Awards

Where:Tandy Garden at Tulsa City-County Library
400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103
(Free parking available in garage)
Attire: Business formal or cocktail
Thank You Sponsors:
  • Presenting Sponsor: Helmerich & Payne

  • Platinum Sponsor: Available
    Gold Sponsor: Williams

  • In-Kind Sponsors: Byers Creative, Miller Photography

Once again, we will recognize three exceptional communicators at the celebration. Review the descriptions below and consider nominating someone for a special award. 
All nominations are due by March 22.
  • Communicator of the Year: Honors a member of the community for his or her contributions to the community through communications. This person is not a communicator by profession — but by passion.
  • Professional of the Year: Recognizes the outstanding achievements of an IABC member in his or her career, profession and community.
  • Rising Star: We will once again recognize a dynamic, young professional who has demonstrated outstanding ability and strong leadership within the communications profession.
For questions or sponsorship information or to submit a special award nomination, email awards@iabctulsa.com or call Ashley Cleveland at 918-947-7251.
Why Josh is More likely to Speak for His Group than Jessica: Breaking Biased habits at Work

Why Josh is More Likely to Speak for His Group than Jessica: Breaking Biased Habits at Work

Co-presented with the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA). TAHRA members should register here.
 
The next time you’re in a meeting where people are offering updates on a team’s progress, notice who speaks. Chances are you’ll hear from more men than women, even if women were crucial behind the scenes. Why does this happen? Who will get the credit for that group’s work?  And how many women need to be in the room before they typically participate on par with men?
 
Therese Huston shows that the “men speak, women listen” dynamic emerges among the most well-intentioned (and well-educated) groups. Therese shares strategies for curbing gender bias in group work and meetings, regardless of the gender ratio. You’ll leave equipped to bring everyone’s best ideas to the table.
 
What You’ll Learn:
  • How to recognize and address issues of unconscious bias.
  • How to use data from scientific research to discuss gender habits, perceptions and strategies.
  • Practical strategies you can begin to use today.

When: 7:15 to 9 a.m. March 27 (Breakfast starts at 7:15 a.m.; Program starts at 8 a.m.)
Where: Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills, 1902 E 71st Street, Tulsa, OK 74136 (Council Oak Ballroom)
Fee:
  • IABC Member fee: $20
  • IABC Non-member fee: $30
  • Student fee: $10

Member Month: Expand your impact with IABC


Get ready, it’s Member Month! Take advantage of this special twice-a-year offer to rake in the incentives when you join or renew your IABC membership. Here’s what you need to know: 


Why join IABC?
  • Regardless of your career stage, IABC membership expands on your ability to deliver a higher standard of professional communication.
  • IABC membership allows you to stay on top of business communication trends and critical developments. This expands your ability to ensure your organization’s voice remains relevant, informed and proactive.
  • Membership in IABC helps you increase the effectiveness of your business communication to expand the impact you have on your organization’s business results.
  • Expand your impact by expanding your access to business-building ideas and best practices through peer-to-peer networking, engagement and knowledge sharing among a global community of communication professionals.
How can we sweeten the pot?
  • Existing Members for Renewal or New/Lapsed Members: 10% discount on International dues when renewing in March
  • PLUS: Entry into a drawing to win one of three prizes: World Conference VIP Prize Package, IABC Academy All Access Pass, three free bonus months of IABC membership.
  • Referrals:
  • All members who refer 4 or more new/reinstating members during March receive a year of free IABC membership.
  • All members who refer any new/reinstating members during March will receive a $50 IABC Academy credit for each member who joins.
Meet a Member
Meet a Member: Monica Johnson 
Title: Internal Communications Specialist
 
Company: TTCU Federal Credit Union
 
Why do you love your job? I enjoy partnering with a wide variety of colleagues every day to ensure employees are heard, engaged, and aware of business priorities and progress. Whether it’s a 1:1 conversation, a coordinated campaign, or an all-staff event, it’s fulfilling helping people connect with information (and one another) in creative ways. Coming into communications, my graphic design and video editing techniques were quite basic. It’s exciting looking back and seeing growth in those areas, all because this field is ever-evolving.
 
How long have you been a member of IABC? I finally joined in January 2019.
 
Why are you a member of IABC? The local programming has long piqued my interest, and I have enjoyed attending various events and meeting local members over the last few years. I am glad to be an official member now! The additional member resources available through The Hub, Communication World, and webinars are already enhancing my strategic communications goals.
 
What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I learn something from every IABC event I’m able to attend, and I recently appreciated the timeliness of the February meeting regarding intranets and digital workplaces. My organization is tackling a revamp in the near future (and it seems many other IABCers are, too).
 
How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I am looking forward to continued growth, thanks to IABC! From tips and tricks learned through webinars to learning from other members at meetings, I find my time spent here very valuable. The CMP certification will also hopefully be part of my future.
 
What is the value of your IABC membership? Priceless!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? My favorite hobbies include running on our fabulous River Parks trails, building community with friends and family, attending concerts, and playing with my dog, Hudson.
 
What’s your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere with mountains, sea and ideally not even a hint of Wi-Fi. 😊 The Rock Boat is pretty hard to beat: It’s a music festival at sea.
 
Who is your favorite musical artist? Ben Rector. He is seriously underrated. Also, he is from Tulsa!
 
Which website or app do you visit daily? Pinterest. My life there is quite perfect. 😊 Spotify and Strava are also close behind.
 
What is your favorite restaurant? Calaveras, El Guapo’s, Fabulosos Mariscos– let’s be real: anywhere with chips and salsa.
 
Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is….. versatile! We have such power to benefit our organizations, whether through driving employee engagement, supporting strategic initiatives, or simply enabling needed conversations across the entire organization. The biggest challenge I see? Having enough peopleresources to gather and deliver relevant, timely information throughout the numeroustechnologies and channels we are responsible for these days!
 
What advice would you give to new communications professionals? How can we help you? No question is too small. There are immense resources available through IABC and this savvy network of communicators in our area and beyond. Take advantage of the knowledge around you, but also please don’t undervalue the unique skills and knowledge you bring into this group and your organization as well!
Save the Date
Friday, April 12: Join IABC/Dallas for their Spring Professional Development Conference. Register here!
Saturday, April 13: If you are planning to sit for the CMP or SCMP exam in Tulsa on this day (must have applied prior to March 13), please send us an email to let us know!
Saturday, May 4: Missed the deadline to register for the CMP or SCMP certification exam in Tulsa? OKC will host their exam on May 4. Application deadline to sit for the exam is April 4. Don’t miss your chance to get certified in Oklahoma!
Tuesday, May 7: Mark your calendars to join us for a special professional development lunch at Mother Road Market.
Celebrating Our Membership Anniversaries
Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in March.

March 2 – Jennifer Rector
March 7 – Russell Shaffer
March 7 – Jami Lamontagne
March 11 – Lisa Powell
March 12 – Noel Freeman
March 24 – Megan Patterson
March 27 – Katy Hall
March 28 – Steve Wilson
March 29 – Barbara Hasbini
March 29 – Megan Washbourne
March 29 – Andrew Nestor
March 29 – Melissa Silvia
March 29 – Elaine Harber

September 2018 Newsletter

Letter from the President

Did you know IABC’s Purpose is centered around three key drivers?

  • Advance Profession: Advance awareness of communication as a strategic leadership function, demonstrating its impact on business performance.
  • Create Connection: Create global peer connections, facilitating ways for practitioners to interact and support each other.
  • Develop Strategic Communicators: Develop opportunities for learning, leadership and recognition to help communicators become trusted business advisers.

Let’s Advance the Profession and ourselves together.
The CMP and SCMP Certification is one of the many ways we can accomplish this.  IABC is the only global communication organization and our certification process is very close to being the only ISO certified process.  I am very excited to announce we will host an exam right here in Tulsa next year…tentatively set for May 2019.

What does this mean?  You have plenty of time to prepare and apply to take the exam.  AND you won’t have to travel to further your career.

What is certification important?  These credentials make you a recognized expert and leader in the communications field.  No different than the colleagues we sit around the table with e.g. PMP, PHR, SPHR, PE, etc.  As a group it further solidifies communications impact on business performance; advancing the profession.

Now we need to Create Connection and Develop Strategic Communicators.
IABC has countless ways to connect and develop your career.  But if you’re new to IABC or haven’t had a chance to dive into what the options are, it may not be clear or seem daunting.  My experience has been, getting involved is the easiest way to create connections and learn.  Volunteering for our local chapter has allowed me to build relationships and friendships that I wouldn’t have otherwise.  Which has also helped me develop and grow as a communicator.  When you view our profession through many lenses, you really flex those strategic communication muscles.

How do I get involved, you ask?  Just let us know you’re interested. Don’t have a lot of time?  No problem, we have options for you.

Interested in a board role?  We currently have an opening for Vice President, Special Events.  If you like focusing your time around specific projects and planning events, this is the role for you.

We say this a lot, but please reach out at any time.  We are here to serve our members and ensure you have the tools to grow your career and network.
 
Volunesia (noun) – That moment when you forget you’re volunteering to help change lives, because it’s changing yours. 


Tee It Up with IABC!Tee it Up with IABC
IABC wants to celebrate Member Month with you!

October is IABC’s Member Month, and we’re celebrating with a free event featuring one of our very own – Kiley Roberson, Tulsa City-County Library’s new Chief Strategy Officer and IABC/Tulsa Board Member. During this Q&A session, Kiley will share some of the successes and challenges she has faced in her career and how her IABC membership and network has helped her climb the leadership ladder.

This event is FREE as our thanks to you for supporting IABC/Tulsa, so we’ll pick up the tab on some appetizers, a round of golf and your first cocktail.

About Our Speaker
Kiley is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Tulsa City-County Library. Prior to her career with the library, Kiley worked as a Senior Communications Analyst for SemGroup Corporation and as a TV news producer and reporter.

Kiley has been a member of IABC since 2011 and has served on the IABC/Tulsa board from 2013-2015, previously holding the role of Professional Development Co-Chair.

Kiley has a master’s degree in communication management from the University of Southern California, a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Oklahoma State University and is a certified crisis manager from the Institute for Crisis Management.

Kiley is a writer at heart and spends her free time on her award-winning column in TulsaKids Magazine. Kiley married her high school sweetheart, Chad, and the two have a bright and beautiful six-year-old daughter and an outgoing, spunky three-year-old son.


Communicators Summit

2018 Communicators Summit by IABC, PRSA & AMA

Marketing professionals, crisis managers, writers, designers, brand managers, employee engagement experts … as communicators, these are just some of the many hats we wear as we prepare organizations to respond to challenges, both internally and externally.

That’s why we’re not just PR or marketing or crisis communicators. Organizations look to us to be leaders in all areas of communications, and Communicators Summit is where we come together to meet, learn and grow in our professions.

This year’s summit will bring together experts from across the country, representing various industries to discuss current trends, technology and strategies to help you engage with your audience and drive business results.

There is guaranteed to be something for every skill level – from the newbie just joining the profession and building a network to the seasoned pro looking to keep up with the latest trends.

Early registration open now until Oct. 12. Prices go up Oct. 13th. Last day to register is Oct. 26th.

Cost for full Summit 

  • $40.00 student rate
  • $65.00 member early bird
  • $75.00 member
  • $80.00 non-member early bird
  • $90.00 non-member

Lunch-only Keynote

  • $15.00 Student
  • $25.00 Member
  • $35.00 Non-member

Speakers Summarized

Morning Keynote: Joy Dyer, OKC Thunder Moments Matter!

Set 1: Breakouts: 9:45 am to 10:30am

  1. Programmatic Marketing Strategies and Digital Tactics to Drive Company Growth, Joe Macaluso and Yaviv Drori, Multiview
  2. Utilizing podcasts to communicate; how to get started and how to measure success, Lauren King, F Word Podcast
  3. Brand Fission: The Quik Print / Mingo Brand Story,Libby Bender, Cubic; Alex Gravley, Quik Print; Amy Gravley Witkowski, Mingo

Set 2: Breakouts 10:45- 11:30

  1. Thought Leadership and Social Media Measurement, Executive Involvement, Erin Holland, ONEOK, and Michelle Heard, Ascension
  2. PR Case Study, Andrea Myers, FleischmanHillard
  3. Tulsa Motivational leadership/Inspiring Teams, Justin Harlan, Reading Partners

Lunch Keynote: Mind Matters: Cognitive Bias and Communication, Chuck Gose, Chuck Chats, ICology podcast and Social Chorus

Early Bird Registration Ends October 12!


Missed September’s Professional Development?
Here are a few of the key takeaways.

Traits CEOs Look for in Communication Professionals


 

Meet a Member

Lainie HarberGet to Know Lainie Harber
Title: Internal Communications Manager

Company: Helmerich and Payne

Why do you love your job? Because I have the opportunity to help my colleagues better understand the business, each other and where they company is headed. I also love being a strategic counselor to all employees – helping provide guidance and best practices to ensure the organization is on the same page.

How long have you been a member of IABC? 6 months

Have you ever served on an IABC Board? No, I haven’t yet, but maybe someday.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? The meeting on September 12 at the Tulsa City-County Library was very illuminating. I left with a few pages of notes and some strategies that will absolutely be relevant to my work.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? It’s been great to have another outlet to access real, timely information that can help my team and I be more effective. It is also so helpful to have the chance to hear successes and struggles that other communications professionals are encountering.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love to travel, cook and try new restaurants. I’m also a huge movie buff and of course I love to spend time with my family and friends as much as I can.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Oooh tough one. My favorite American city to vacation in is Chicago, though I recently went glamping in Colorado, and I’d highly recommend it. And internationally speaking, Switzerland is always a good idea.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I’m an oldies gal – basically if they’ve passed or broken up, I love ‘em. Beach Boys, Beatles, Carole King, Sam Cooke. But I love Sam Smith, Leon Bridges and of course Queen Bey.

Which website or app do you visit daily?  I love the Skimm every morning for my news and of course Instagram.

What is your favorite restaurant? Again tough one. I love to try new restaurants and live for Restaurant Weeks. For your tried-and-true fast food or fast casual – Braum’s. But there is this wonderful restaurant in Dallas called Americano – if you’re in the city, please go. In Tulsa, Antoinette’s. Thanks to Leslie Agee for that obsession. 🙂

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? Hmmm could be my inevitable top knot if the event is at the end of the day. I feel like my hair is always up by EOD.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is…..digital. No surprise here I’m sure, but I think it’s only going to continue to grow. I also think communications professionals will only become more involved in company strategy and trajectory.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Read. Read novels, industry pubs, blogs, social accounts, LinkedIn. Also, expose yourself to different industries and professional backgrounds. So often we can get stagnant in the work that we do for our specific company – there are SO many ways to innovate, but we’ve got to expose ourselves to the fresh, new and now.


New Members

Help us welcome our newest IABC/Tulsa members!

Amanda Black, Communications Coordinator at Helmerich and Payne
Michele Harmon, Writer/Editor at Chipper Muse Creative Services
Cody McAlester, Senior Communications Specialist at Bank of Oklahoma
Claire Combs, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at Hilti


Celebrating Our Membership Anniversaries

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in September.

September 7 – Natasha Mitchell
September 21 – Keith Isbell
September 29 – Susie Wellendorf

August 2018 Newsletter

Letter from the President
I’m sitting here watching American Pickers on the History channel.  If you’re not familiar, it’s two quirky guys traveling the U.S. seeking Americana treasures from generations ago.  In this particular episode, they are exploring a collection of record players, radios, eight-track players – basically anything that has played music in the last 75+ years.  It’s amazing to see the evolution and then look down at my phone where I can carry around thousands of songs in one tiny device.

This got me thinking about how communication has evolved, including our ability to consume and comprehend it. The feverish pace that information is exchanged is dizzying.  What’s the saying?  You have to communicate a single piece of information seven times, in seven different ways for it to stick.  So how do we keep up?  The one answer I have found to be true 100% of the time is…you can’t do it alone.  We all need a network of support, expertise and knowledge.

This may seem like a shameless plug, but IABC has been that for me.  Joining and participating has unlocked a world of colleagues I admire, resources that have furthered my career and friendships I treasure.  So I thank you, each of you, for your membership and engagement in our Chapter.

We have an exciting fall planned for you: don’t forget the IABC Southern Region Conference is coming up in October. Plus the deadline to enter Silver Quill is tomorrow.  Dust off your Bronze Quill entry, review the judges’ comments, adjust and submit.

See you at the Tulsa City-County Library with CEO Kimberly Johnson next month!

“You never get more out of something than what you put in to it.”  -Mark Millen


Learning to Lead: what executives want from their communication professionalsLearning to Lead: What Executives Want from Their Communication Professionals

You’ve heard the saying, “working your way up.” Tulsa City-County Library CEO Kimberly Johnson did just that. Beginning her career as a library resource coordinator and now leading an organization that serves 600,000 people, Kimberly knows what it takes to be a leader and she thinks communication professionals should too.

At this program, you’ll learn:

  • What key traits leadership looks for in communications professionals.
  • How to increase your influence within your organization by demonstrating success.
  • Why the language you use with leadership is important to building credibility.

Fee:

  • IABC Member fee: $25
  • IABC Non-member fee: $35
  • Student fee: $15

Where: Central Library, Pocahontas Greadington Learning and Creativity Center (lower level 2)

Register Online by September 11!


Top 10 Ways to Improve your Comprehension

Missed our August professional development on Communication vs Comprehension with Denise Vladovich? Or just want a handy way to remember the takeaways?

Check out this helpful infographic to assist your audience in grasping important concepts easily. It’s not about “dumbing it down.” It’s about “clearing it up.”

top 10 Ways to Improve Comprehension


IABC/Tulsa Third Annual Spelling Bee(r)

We all love a good copy editing session, but how are your spelling skills without a red pen in hand? How about with a drink in hand? We found out this year at IABC/Tulsa’s third annual Adult Spelling Bee(r).

Spelling ‘cauterize’ correctly garnered the win at this year’s event after the second place contestant misspelled ‘chlorofluorocarbon.’ Congrats to all our participants!

Check out the photos below from the event and watch this video to see the fun in action.

The top three contestants in the spelling bee(r). The spelling beer champ celebrates after being handed their prize!
Another contestant from the Spelling Bee(r) final round. Emcee from spelling beer event

Meet a MemberGet to Know Stephanie Higgins

Stephanie Higgins family fishingTitle: Supervisor, Communications

Company:  ONEOK

Why do you love your job? Quite frankly, it’s the people. I love my co-workers like they are family. It makes it much easier to come to work every day when you enjoy the people around you. They celebrate in my successes and lift me up and when I am down.

How long have you been a member of IABC? I have been a member of IABC for 3.5 years.

What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I attended the IABC World Conference earlier this year in Montreal, Canada. It was really cool to engage with other communicators from outside the United States. To find out there are people all over the world combatting some of the same issues we do on a daily basis made me feel like I wasn’t in this profession alone. Some offered practical solutions to those issues as well.

How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I have been a member of various professional organizations throughout my 20-year career in communications. IABC offers me a network of professionals that are primarily in corporate communications. Corporate communications can be a daunting world and having a network of other professionals to bounce ideas off of is priceless. They also offer professional development opportunities that are pertinent to my position for a reasonable price.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? My husband and I have two boys, one is a sophomore in college and the other is a freshman in high school. Between the hustle and bustle of chasing them around with their sports (college baseball and high school basketball), we love to go fishing! Striper fishing, trout fishing, crappie fishing, it doesn’t matter. We love that family time and spending time outdoors.

What’s your favorite vacation spot? I love to go anywhere with a beach. I am not picky as long as it’s warm.
 
Who is your favorite musical artist?
That’s a tough one. When I listen to the radio, it’s typically on sports talk radio. I love sports. If I had to pick one, I would say I am a closet Taylor Swift fan. (Guess I am not in the closet anymore.)

Which website or app do you visit daily? Bleacher Report is an app I visit daily. It’s a constant feed of sports stories.

What is your favorite restaurant? Any place with a steak. I love a good steak and baked potato.

How will we recognize you at the next IABC function? I am a 6’0 tall sometimes blonde, sometimes brunette. I am hard to miss. I am usually the tallest in the room.

Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is….. Exciting! The field is constantly changing, and it’s fun to be a part of a profession that continuously challenges you.

What advice would you give to new communications professionals? Be open to exploring multiple facets of communications whether it’s in the news field, public service or corporate communications. I have had the privilege of working in multiple facets of the communications profession. Because of this, it has provided me with the opportunity to be a more well-rounded communications professional.

Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in August.

August 1 – Emily Perkins
August 12 – Kim Kuehler
August 15 – Kiley Roberson